Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically determining the dimension of part surfaces. Particular embodiments describe optical triangulation based coordinate measurement machines capable of accurate measurement of complex surfaces, such as gear teeth and turbine blades. Other embodiments provide highly useful sensors for robot guidance and related purposes. Up to 5 axis sensing capability is provided on surfaces of widely varying form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for target seeking, where a rotatable instrument emits an electromagnetic radiation and automatically searches for a target reflector by detecting whether reception occurs of electromagnetic radiation received by the target reflector and reflected back to the instrument. In the beam path of the electromagnetic radiation, polarization of the electromagnetic radiation, polarization modulation of the polarization direction on the electromagnetic radiation by alternately changing it, and polarization of the electromagnetic radiation take place in sequence. At least on of these steps is performed at the target reflector. Checking of the detected reflector is carried out by testing if the received radiation changes at the same rate as the modulation of the polarization direction. Only targets are accepted which give different signal strengths at said rate for the received radiation.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide a distance measurement apparatus which can relatively easily control the clock generation timing and can prevent dark currents generated by accumulation units from being unbalanced between the ON and OFF states of a light-projection operation even when the accumulation apparatus for temporarily holding charges are arranged between a sensor array and a charge transfer apparatus.

Abstract: An improved photoelectric displacement detector is disclosed which includes (a) a light receiving part (1) having a pair of solar battery panels (1b, 1c) vertically arranged adjacent to each other, (b) a vertical motion mechanism (2) which is driven by a motor (3) to vertically linear-shift the light receiving part (1), (c) a vertical light quantity difference detection part (4) for detecting, based on signals from the solar battery panels (1b, 1c), a difference between the quantity of light received in the solar battery panel (1b) and the quantity of light received in the solar battery panel (1c) and (d) a CPU (5) for controlling the operation of the motor (3) according to the received light quantity difference detected by the vertical light quantity difference detection part (4). Reference laser light is sent onto the light receiving part (1) and the light receiving part (1) is vertically shifted in order that the aforesaid received light quantity difference is cancelled to zero.

Abstract: A two-dimensional rangefinding sensor of the present invention consisting of an illuminating device for projecting light beams, which undergoes luminance modulation at a predetermined frequency for a predetermined duration with a predetermined cycle time, onto an object, an image-formation optical system for forming an image of the object illuminated with light beams which have undergone the luminance modulation and which have been projected from the illuminating device, a two-dimensional image sensor mounted on an image-formation plane of the image-formation optical system, a driving means for performing a modulation driving operation on an electrode terminal, which is operative to determine the sensitivity of the two-dimensional image sensor at the frequency, and a reading means for reading a signal corresponding to a signal charge generated in each of picture elements of the image sensors.

Abstract: A range finding apparatus includes; M photoprojectors (M: greater than one) provided in one-to-one correspondence with M range-finding axes radially extending within a virtual plane for forwardly projecting detection light along the range-finding axes; a photodetector spaced apart from the virtual plane and having N light detecting portions (N: greater than one), which serves as common photoelectric conversion means for the M photoprojectors; a range-finding axis switching device for selectively allowing the M photoprojectors to emit light; and a distance determination device for determining a distance to an object on the basis of detection values output from the N light detecting portions.

Abstract: This invention is a method for improving the quality of analytical measurement data by eliminating the fluctuation and drift of spectral line intensities obtained by an atomic emission spectrometer or a mass spectrometer. Carrying out this method needs measuring intensities of an analytical line and two reference lines for a sample. This method is involved in the calculation of a sequence of analytical line intensity ratios I.sub.j and a sequence of fluctuation disagreements F.sub.j of intensities between two reference lines, in the use of one of the following three equationsI.sub.j =K.sub.0 +K.sub.1 C.sub.j +K.sub.fl C.sub.j F.sub.jI.sub.j =K.sub.0 +K.sub.1 C.sub.j +K.sub.fl C.sub.j F.sub.j +K.sub.T1 C.sub.j T.sub.jI.sub.j =K.sub.0 +K.sub.1 C.sub.j +K.sub.fl C.sub.j F.sub.j +K.sub.t1 C.sub.j T.sub.j +K.sub.t2 C.sub.j T.sub.j.sup.2to regress out a relationship among the ratios, fluctuation disagreements, times T.sub.j and concentrations C.sub.j using a sequence of standard samples where K.sub.0, K.sub.1, K.

Abstract: An evanescent wave system and method including an optical sensor for use in assaying a reference material and at least one molecular species or analyte in a test medium or test sample for diagnostic and other applicable purposes. The sensor includes a waveguide for propagating a radiation input along its length. The radiation input causes evanescent electromagnetic waves that are capable of stimulating output emissions that are indicative of a reference material and of one or more molecular species or analytes. By comparing the emission(s) indicative of the reference material to the emission indicative of the presence of the molecular species or analyte, the presence and concentration of the molecule in the sample can be determined. The reference material provides for normalization and/or calibration of the system.

Abstract: Method of assay of enzymatic activity, comprising projecting excitation light to a sample containing an enzyme, a substrate which forms a product by action of the enzyme, and a reference substance which is insensitive to the action of the enzyme but emits fluorescence; obtaining a first measured value of fluorescence intensity of the sample at a first wavelength region which includes fluorescence emitted by the substrate or the product at least, obtaining a second measured value of fluorescence intensity at a second wavelength region which is different from the first wavelength region for the first measured value and includes fluorescence emitted by the reference substance; and assaying the enzymatic activity from the ratio of the first measured value to the second measured value and apparatus for performing the method. The method assures high accuracy and high sensitivity of measurement in enzyme labeled immunoassay and enzyme labeled DNA hybridization.

Abstract: A swing angle measuring apparatus generates feedback signals for closed loop regulation of a load swinging motion in operation of a crane. The swing angle measuring apparatus measures two-dimensional swing angles, and includes a rope fixed to a hoisting device, two laser displacement sensors, laser reflecting plates, and a rectangular box attached to a hoisting device. Two steel reflecting plates are installed on the periphery of the fixed rope. Two laser displacement sensors are installed in a rectangular box such that the heading of the sensors are configured to perpendicularly intersect the faces of the laser reflecting plates. The configuration of the displacement sensors and the reflecting plates can be reversed. The rectangular box is attached to the hoisting device, and the laser reflecting plates are placed at an offset distance away from the face of the laser displacement sensors, at which a sensor signal of 0 volts is obtained.

Abstract: An active type range finder apparatus comprises a light projecting element having a base, a lead frame disposed on the base, at least one light emitting member disposed on the lead frame for emitting light to a subject, and at least one control terminal disposed on the base for controlling the light emitting member. A light receiving element is disposed at a base length from the light projecting element for receiving light reflected by the subject. The lead frame and the control terminal of the light projecting element have end portions arranged outside an extension region of the light emitting member in a direction of the base length. When the light emitting member is illuminated, scattered light is prevented from being projected within the extension region of the light emitting member in the direction of the base length, thereby preventing distance measurement errors.

Abstract: A rangefinding device for use in a camera comprising a projection section for projecting a light beam emitted by a light source through a projection lens to an object, a light pickup section disposed diagonally opposite from the projection section that picks up, on its light pickup element, light reflected off the object, two-dimensionally senses the light, and outputs incident light position information, a CPU for computing the range to the object based on the output of the light pickup section and an attitude sensor section for sensing the orientation or attitude of the camera. In response to the output of the attitude sensor section, the CPU computes the range to the object based on the incident light position information in either the vertical direction or horizontal direction of the photographing frame, output by the light pickup section.

Abstract: A multi-purpose on-line or field-portable system and method for monitoring the presence and concentration of selected antigen-antibody reactions singly or in combination that result from the presence of specific microorganisms or free antigens present or suspended in aqueous solutions, during a given time period. The detection system comprises a detection column and two sensors mounted around the detection column. Each sensor consists of an electromagnetic radiation source and an appropriate detector for the electromagnetic radiation. The reacted analyte tends to accumulate at the sensor located at the bottom detection column. The lower sensor continually nulls against the upper sensor to subtract any optical effects due to non-reactants in the aqueous process or environmental stream. The response from the detector sensors drive an electric circuit, which provides an output signal. In the on-line automatic version, the signal can drive elements of a process system by switching automated valves.

Abstract: An inexpensive and easily adjustable distance measuring apparatus judges whether an object is located at a far distance or at a near distance relative to a certain set distance. The distance measuring apparatus comprises an oscillator for generating pulses, a light emitting element for emitting light for a predetermined time in synchronization with the pulses generated by the oscillator, a plurality of light receiving elements disposed adjacent to each other to receive reflected light emitted by the light emitting element and reflected by an object whose distance is to be measured, a plurality of delay circuits connected to respective ones of the light receiving elements, and a phase discriminating circuit for comparing the phases of the output signals of each of the delay circuits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for detection of the degree of cure of a polymer in situ and non-invasively. The method and apparatus uses a solvatochromic probe molecule which upon curing produces a shift in the fluorescence emission spectrum as compared to a liquid polymerizable composition. The method and apparatus is particularly adapted for poly(vinyl) polymers. Preferred solvatochromic probe molecules are oxazones and pyrene.

Abstract: A method for detecting an etching endpoint and a plasma etching apparatus and a plasma etching system using such a device are disclosed, in which time series data of a signal corresponding to the amount of light of the plasma light generated during the plasma etching process are arithmetically processed, so that the change of light amount is corrected and an etching endpoint is detected from the time series data after the correction.

Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing sub-pixel resolution in a triangulation based target distance measuring device at a desired stand-off distance has a laser light source projecting a light beam along a light beam axis so as to project a light spot onto a surface of a workpiece, a lens having an optical axis and a depth of focus dependant on the target distance, the lens for gathering light reflected from the light spot on the surface of the workpiece, a linear photodetector array of adjacent light detecting pixels, the array having a longitudinal array axis, the array for detecting light impinging the pixels and generating an output signal indicative of the position of the pixels being impinged by the light, the light beam axis, the optical axis, and the longitudinal array axis co-planar, the lens imaging the reflected light across and impinging the array so as to form an image across the array, the output signal indicative of an intensity profile of the image impinging the array, the image defocussed so as to opti

Abstract: A calibration device for a laser ranging system includes an interferometer assembly and a beam path magnifier assembly which is optically coupled to the interferometer assembly to receive a calibration beam therefrom and to the laser ranging system to receive a laser ranging beam therefrom. The calibration beam and the laser ranging beam enter the beam path magnifier assembly such that they pass along equidistant paths and so that the calibration beam is detected by the interferometer assembly to provide a precise measurement of the distance the calibration beam traveled and the laser ranging beam is detected by the laser ranging system to provide a measurement of the distance traveled by the laser ranging beam along the calibration optical path. Comparison of the two readings provides calibration data for the laser ranging system. The beam path multiplier assembly includes means for varying a folded calibration optical path length to provide a range of calibration beam path lengths.

Abstract: A multi-purpose on-line or field-portable system and method for monitoring the presence and concentration of selected antigen-antibody reactions singly or in combination that result from the presence of specific microorganisms or free antigens present or suspended in aqueous solutions, during a given time period. The detection system comprises a detection column and two sensors mounted around the J-shaped detection column. Each sensor consists of an electromagnetic radiation source and an appropriate detector for the electromagnetic radiation. The reacted analyte tends to accumulate at the sensor located in the curve of the J-shaped detection column. The lower sensor continually nulls against the upper sensor to subtract any optical effects due to non-reactants in the aqueous process or environmental stream. The response from the detector sensors drive an electric circuit, which provides an output signal.

Abstract: A distance measuring device according to the present invention includes a light projector, a controller, and a light receiver. The light projector projects light toward an object to be measured, and the controller controls the light projector to carry out a first light projection to emit a first light at a predetermined angle with a first light distribution, and subsequently to carry out a second light projection to emit a second light at the predetermined angle with a second light distribution which is different from the first light distribution. The light receiver receives the first and second light emitted by the light projector and reflected from the object, and produces light reception signals, and a circuit arrangement calculates a distance to the object by means of the light reception signals.

Abstract: An active type distance measuring apparatus is provided with sensors for a plurality of distance measuring fields, and, in performing multi-point distance measuring, obtains distance information in a macro region on the basis of outputs from at least two sensors used for different distance measuring fields.

Abstract: An evanescent wave system and method including an optical sensor for use in assaying a reference material and at least one molecular species or analyte in a test medium or test sample for diagnostic and other applicable purposes. The sensor includes a waveguide for propagating a radiation input along its length. The radiation input causes evanescent electromagnetic waves that are capable of stimulating output emissions that are indicative of a reference material and of one or more molecular species or analytes. By comparing the emission(s) indicative of the reference material to the emission indicative of the presence of the molecular species or analyte, the presence and concentration of the molecule in the sample can be determined. The reference material provides for normalization and/or calibration of the system.

Abstract: A distance measuring device is arranged to emit spot-shaped light toward a subject and receive light reflected from the subject by means of a light receiving sensor having a plurality of light receiving areas, thereby measuring the distance to the subject. In the distance measuring device, among the plurality of light receiving areas, a peripheral light receiving area is selected to be larger than a central light receiving area so that the accuracy of distance measurement is improved.

Abstract: Spectral bands are grouped for data acquisition in a spectrophotometer with a charge-coupled detector having a plurality of pixels. Preliminary data is generated on time-integrated radiation to the pixels for a sample. Maximum permitted exposure times for the pixels are calculated from the data and a predetermined maximum exposure. The maximum times are grouped so that for each group the ratio of the highest to the lowest maximum times is less than 100. A group run time is established for each group nominally less than the lowest maximum time in the group. Subgroups are created and ordered so that accumulated readout times for the pixels are less than wait times established to prevent readout contamination from subsequent charge buildup. The spectrophotometer is further operated on the sample for the run time of each group and subgroup to generate spectral data.

Abstract: A plurality of elements in a sample are specified as monitoring elements. Each time at a exciting the sample, the light intensity of the line of the monitoring elements and the measured elements is detected and memorized. From the memorized data, the distribution for the light intensity of the line of each of the monitoring elements is determined. Based on the distribution, the preferred region for the light intensity of the line of each of the monitoring elements is defined. With reference to the memorized data, the light intensity of the line of the measured elements at every exciting in which the light intensity of the line of the monitoring elements is within the preferred region integrated.

Abstract: A method of detecting an end point of etching by emission spectroscopy. Using a constant ratio between emission intensities in the course of etching and after the termination thereof, a correction value is computed with data of a waveform already adjusted to be capable of detecting an end point of etching and the corresponding emission intensity in the course of etching treatment thereafter, and the waveform of corresponding emission intensity in the course of etching treatment is processed so that the detection can be conducted on the same level as in the end point detection already adjusted to be capable of detecting the end point of etching at the time of treatment. Thus, irrespective of the reduction of the quantity of emission for an emission detection at each time of treatment, a constant electric signal of the same detecting level can be obtained, making it possible to detect an end point of etching with the same accuracy as in the initial treatment.

Abstract: A scannable detector system for echelle grating spectrometers is disclosed in which a photodetector is positioned behind an aperture plate having a plurality of apertures corresponding to focal positions of the spectral array eminating from the grating. The detector is arranged to scan from aperture to aperture to measure the presence of individual wavelengths in the array. Additionally, the detector may be removed from the field of the plate to permit the substitution of a non-scannable array of detectors and an associated masking aperture plate to simultaneously measure the presence of a plurality of wavelengths in the spectral array.

Abstract: The concentration of a substance of interest is measured by exposing a peable-membrane face of an indicator chamber containing an indicator to the substance, monochromator radiation being incident upon the indicator through a transparent wall of the indicator chamber, the exiting radiation being received by a light-metering unit for ascertainment of the effect upon the indicator's absorbence of fluorescence of the substance of interest. The indicator substance is additionally exposed to a reference substance of known concentration which is permitted to engage the indicator substance by diffusion through such permeable membrane, in order that the indicator be calibrated.

Abstract: Apparatus for emission spectrochemical analysis wherein the sample to be analyzed is excited by repeated spark discharge to emit light, which is dispersed to produce a spectrum containing emission lines characteristic of the elements in the sample. The intensity or quantity of light of each of the emission lines of the elements to be determined and that of the corresponding one of the emission lines selected as the internal standards for the elements to be determined are measured each time a spark discharge is produced to obtain the ratio of the former intensity or quantity to the latter at each spark discharge, and the ratios resulting from a predetermined number of spark discharges are averaged for each of the elements to be determined. From the average the content of each of the elements is read on a calibration curve.

Abstract: A spectrometer readout system with storage capacitors for temporarily storing output signals generated by a series of photomultiplier tubes that are positioned to monitor selected spectral lines. A voltage-time converter sequentially discharges the capacitors to a preset level and converts the stored voltages into signals that are linearly related to a known signal and an unknown signal. The output of the voltage-time converter defines the discharge time period which is measured and stored by a computer.

Abstract: A spectrometer readout system with storage capacitors for temporarily storing output signals generated by a series of photomultiplier tubes that are positioned to monitor selected spectral lines. A voltage-time converter sequentially discharges the capacitors to a preset level and converts the stored voltages into signals that are related logarithmically to a known signal and an unknown signal. The output of the voltage-time converter defines the log discharge time period which is measured and stored by a computer.